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It’s been a week of water – swimming in it, admiring it, and even losing a bit of it when our water container tap had a bit of a clunky moment where it refused to turn off. We did have enough to get us through, but fixing that was certainly a top priority.
We headed off from Alice Springs on Sunday, into the West MacDonnell National Park where we played tourist and gorge hopped our way along Namatjira Drive. Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Big Hole, Serpentine Gorge, Redbank Gorge… all so stunning in their own right. At Redbank Gorge – where Kate spontaneously jumped in – optimistic swimmers called it ‘refreshing’, while most realistically used ‘numb’ as the most accurate descriptor.
On Tuesday we headed around the Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon, and were impressed to hear staff at reception telling guests the details of our hoedown event the following night. We were also extremely grateful for the resort for giving us a beautiful room free of charge for two nights – thanks Discovery Kings Canyon.
Following a brilliant setlist from acoustic guitarist Pep on Wednesday night, we danced the night away on the sunset viewing platform. Enthusiasm was high among our 30 participants, with one even dancing in budgie smugglers (apparently that’s tradition for him!)
On Thursday we walked Kings Canyon where Claire nearly lost her Akubra twice, then headed to Uluru in time for sunset. Friday morning we headed to Uluru Camel Tours, and were allocated the tallest camel at the farm, Rocky, while Connor the camel walked at the back of the pack as part of the weightwatchers program – he’d put on a few too many Covid kilos.
Curtin Springs Station was our destination on Saturday, where we ran an impromptu line dance lesson – thanks to our small but dedicated group for joining in – quality not quantity! Thanks to the Severin family for looking after us.
This week, we’re headed north to Devils Marbles, Barkly Homestead to hang out with our talented musician friend Ell Regan, and then up to Daly Waters for our event there on Friday.
Yours in boot-scootin’,
Kate and Claire.